PROGRAMS/SERVICES

There are always programs and services that are considered

unique and helpful. This section discusses the Young

Plaza Ambassadors program, which provides exceptionally

different programs to seven hundred middle schools around

the country. This program was actually started for the guests

of the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and it has become so successful

that it now attracts membership from middle schools.

CampSource is a camp/program consulting firm that guides

you to an appropriate program for your child.

YPA (YOUNG PLAZA AMBASSADORS PROGRAM)

Lyudmila Bloch, Director

Plaza Hotel

Fifth Avenue and 59th Street

New York, NY 10019

(212) 546-5495

www.plazaypa.com

QUICK TAKE: The Plaza Hotel is known for its rich history and

its role as one of the leading hotels in New York City. The

Young Plaza Ambassadors (YPA) program celebrates legendary

Plaza adventures, as well as reinforces and develops children’s

leadership and cultural skills. In the spirit of the hotel’s

dedication to excellence, the Plaza developed a program to

help educate a new generation of sophisticated and cultured

young people.

AGE REQUIREMENT: 6–16

DATES: Year round

FEES: Free to all Plaza guests traveling with children and

staying for at least two nights. Nonguest membership, $150.00/

year.

BACKGROUND: The YPA began in 2000 and has received rave

reviews from every publication in which it has been reviewed.

DESCRIPTION: The YPA is a self-guided exploration that connects

traveling families with cultural landmarks, museums,

retailers, restaurants, and other exciting New York attractions.

Members are equipped with VIP passes, priority admissions,

complimentary tickets, and Home Alone sundaes (served on

request).

The program offers a variety of educational activities, such

as gourmet cooking classes, etiquette instructions, and veterinary

workshops (“Junior Vet Clinic”). On their first visit

to The Plaza, the children receive “welcome kits” with a YPA

wallet, Plaza dollars, discount coupons, gifts from various

partners, as well as planning services (i.e., personal shopping

help at FAO Schwartz, a calendar of events, and an entertainment

schedule) that make it easy for families to explore New

York and its kid-friendly venues. The YPA’s etiquette classes

may seem outdated, but how often have you been in a business

meeting or situation and felt clueless about using the

right fork?

OUR TAKE: It is a program like no other. It is fun and the

classes emphasize skills that a child can use daily.

OUR RECOMMENDATION: More than 6,000 individual members

enjoy the YPA program to date, including students from 7,000

middle schools in the New York tristate area. Call them when

you are in New York City, and see what they have cooking . . .

gourmet cooking, that is! This program is an experience that

you won’t forget.